Introduction:

Public sector accounting and budgeting are essential functions that ensure the effective management of public funds in alignment with legal and regulatory standards. This program provides a comprehensive overview of accounting practices, budgeting frameworks, financial reporting, and governance systems used within government institutions.

Program Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of public sector accounting and budgeting.

• Interpret financial statements and reporting standards.

• Analyze budgeting methods and financial performance indicators.

• Evaluate internal controls and accountability frameworks.

• Explore public revenue structures, debt management, and cost accounting.

• Recognize the role of technology in public financial management.

Targeted Audience:

• Public Sector Accountants.

• Budget Officers.

• Financial Analysts in the Public Sector.

• Government Auditors.

• Public Financial Managers.

Program Outline:

Unit 1:

Introduction to Public Sector Accounting:

• Core principles and institutional frameworks.

• Differences between public and private financial systems.

• Role of accounting in transparency and governance.

• Key stakeholders in financial management.

• Recent developments in public sector accounting.

Unit 2:

Public Sector Financial Statements and Reporting:

• Structure of financial statements and disclosures.

• Reporting standards and compliance requirements.

• IPSAS and national regulations.

• Accounting policies and estimation practices.

• Financial audit readiness.

Unit 3:

Budgeting Principles and Processes:

• Budgeting frameworks and models.

• Formulation and approval cycles.

• Expenditure control and planning tools.

• Strategic alignment in budgeting.

Unit 4:

Financial Performance Analysis and Management:

• Performance indicators and benchmarks.

• Variance analysis and financial ratios.

• Linking budget outcomes to policies.

• Decision-making through financial data.

Unit 5:

Internal Controls and Financial Accountability:

• Components of internal control systems.

• Risk mitigation and oversight frameworks.

• Role of internal and external audits.

• Addressing audit findings.

• Mechanisms for accountability and transparency.

Unit 6:

Government Revenue and Expenditure Structures:

• Sources and classifications of revenue.

• Legal and institutional frameworks.

• Fiscal transfers and expenditure categories.

• Revenue forecasting challenges.

Unit 7:

Public Debt and Fiscal Sustainability:

• Types of public debt and management strategies.

• Debt impact on fiscal health.

• Fiscal rules and sustainability metrics.

• Approaches to deficit control.

Unit 8:

Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEF):

• Purpose and structure of MTEFs.

• Linking budgets to strategic goals.

• Budget predictability and forecasting.

• Integration with annual planning.

Unit 9:

Public Sector Cost Accounting:

• Cost classification and allocation.

• Costing methods for public programs.

• Application of cost data in budgeting.

• Enhancing transparency in cost tracking.

Unit 10:

Digital Transformation in Public Financial Management:

• Digital tools and financial systems.

• Features of IFMIS and e-budgeting.

• Data analytics in public finance.

• Cybersecurity and information integrity.